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A spokesperson for Chelmsford Museum said: "We have listened to comments from visitors to the museum, both in the past and during the redevelopment work currently taking place. Visitors often say that they would like to enjoy lunch as part of their day out. The café will mean that people will be able to enjoy a full day here, spending time in our glorious park, uncovering stories about Chelmsford's history makers, then finishing the visit with a slice of cake or sandwich in the cafe.

“Our expert team are working carefully to develop a café that will feel really special in our Grade II Victorian House, amongst the Museum collections, and we are looking to work with an operator who is really passionate about Chelmsford. The chosen operator will create a place with us that will make people want to keep coming back.

“This has only been made possible by the fantastic support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and the people who have bought lottery tickets. We are truly grateful for their contributions to this fantastic project, which will make a huge difference to the Museum visitor experience. Work is expected to complete in Spring/Summer 2019.”

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The museum currently attracts around 120,000 visitors a year, but after the refurbishment, that is expected to rise by more than 20,000.

It is hoped that the museum's cafe will open its doors in February 2019 and whoever takes the business on will get the lease for two years, with the option of a third.

The cafe will even have some small artefacts within it, as the council wants it to “reflect the ambiance, charm and style of the museum buildings and will house small exhibits to tie it in to its surroundings”.

The expansion plans also include new interactive displays, new objects, a room-by-room history of Chelmsford and more car parking.